A 'spitfire' of an essay contest at Farmers Alley

Posted: Sept. 24, 2012 at 12:45 p.m.

KALAMAZOO - Do you love the arts? Do you love to write? Do you want to win some great prizes?

Enter the Farmers Alley/Spitfire Grill Essay Contest for a chance to win a 2012-13 subscription to Farmers Alley, plus dinner for two at Mangia Mangia!

Farmers Alley's season five opening musical "The Spitfire Grill" is a compelling story about a feisty parolee who travels to a small town in Wisconsin in search of a new life. She finds herself working at Hannah's Spitfire Grill. It is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests that Hannah raffle it off. Entry fees are $100, and the best essay on why you want the grill wins the restaurant! Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full, and things are definitely cookin' at the Spitfire Grill!

In the spirit of "The Spitfire Grill," the founders of Farmers Alley thought it would be fun to host its own raffle. But keep your $100! Farmers Alley appeals to you, the wonderful and supportive patrons of the Kalamazoo area, to put into words how and why the arts are important to this community. In 250 words or less, tell them how the arts (theater, music, dance and/or visual arts) enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

Entries will continue to be received until the final performance of "The Spitfire Grill" on Oct. 21. The founders of Farmers Alley will then pick a winning essay to be published. The winner will receive one 2012-13 season subscription to Farmers Alley Theatre, plus dinner for two at Mangia Mangia. (If you're already a subscriber, remember that subscriptions make great gifts, so please don't let that deter you from entering the contest.)

Please e-mail your essays to farmersalleytheatre@yahoo.com and put "Essay Contest" in the subject line. Please include your mailing address and a phone number where you can be reached.

You may also mail entries to Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or post it on our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/farmersalleytheatre

So get writing!! And get your tickets to "The Spitfire Grill," which opens Oct. 5. You might just hear your essay read at one of the performances!

For more information about "The Spitfire grill," log on to www.farmersalleytheatre.com